The Western Dakota Energy Association issued a plea today to U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to rescind his order to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline because of the widespread and potentially long-lasting economic damage such a shutdown would inflict on North Dakota communities.

"We do not believe Judge Boasberg fully appreciates the devastating economic ripple effect this decision could have on our state's economy," said WDEA President Shannon Holter. "The financial consequences would extend far beyond the pipeline company and the oil shippers who use it."

"Our member communities are already reeling from the drop in oil prices and the economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus," Holter added. "This is another gut punch to the industry, to royalty owners, to state and local government, to our schools, and even to ag producers if oil trains take up rail capacity during the fall harvest. The ripple effect would hit all segments of our economy."

Click here to read the full news release